Actress Natasha Richardson unveiled a foxy new look and rather more than she would have liked on the red-carpet at last night's star-studded Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute Gala.

In an attempt to ensure she didn't embarrass herself by tripping up as she ascended the stairs in her high heels, Natasha came a cropper anyway.

As the actress from the highly-regarded Redgrave acting dynasty hitched up her pale pink chiffon gown, she inadvertently flashed her nude-coloured thong to the assembled audience.

Natasha appeared to have interpreted the dress code for the 'Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy' themed event rather too literally.

Maybe her inspiration came from comic book hero Flash Gordon.

The Maid in Manhattan star clearly forgot about the waist-high slash in her gown, as she hoiked up the layered chiffon creation and unwittingly exposed a well-toned leg, and her flesh-coloured thong.

The embarrassing wardrobe malfunction appeared to go unnoticed by Natasha, who was accompanied by former Gucci creative director Tom Ford, despite the fact that much of her leg and her underwear was clearly on show.

Thankfully, 44-year Natasha has not fallen victim to the trend for 'going commando' - wearing no underwear - and her tiny thong just about spared her blushes.

The daughter of Vanessa Redgrave, appears to have undergone something of a style transformation, similar to that of her actress sister and Nip/Tuck star, Joely Richardson.

With her plunging neckline, and blonde bobbed curls, clearly Natasha would have caused a stir on the red carpet without the unfortunate flashing incident.

The award-winning actress, who is married to fellow actor Liam Neeson has found fame in the US through her award-winning stage roles on New York's Broadway.

However, Natasha wasn't the only celebrity to have an dress mishap.

Actress Eva Mendes revealed plenty of thigh in her green structured number and former model Stephanie Seymour's sheer dress failed to conceal a flesh-coloured nipple cover.